With more than 45 full-time Jewish studies faculty, JTS offers over 150graduate-level Jewish studies courses each semester, in four doctoral areas and 15 master's areas of specialization such as Modern Jewish Studies, Talmud and Rabbinics, and Jewish Professional Leadership. JTS offers a variety of degree and non-degree options:

Non-DegreeIf you are interested in taking a course simply for the sake of learning at its highest level, JTS is the ideal place for you. Individuals in all professions and stages of life who are seeking to enhance their knowledge of Jewish studies in an academic setting can audit a class or enroll for credit.

"My JTS experience has been absolutely wonderful. The courses I took covered material I always wanted to learn, and addressed questions I've had for many years. I have done lots of reading on my own, but studying in a class with incredible teachers and students raises my learning to a new level. Exploring and deepening my Jewish understanding at The Graduate School is a gift."

-Larry Schwartzformer principal of Lugz Boots and British Knights Sneakers, current non-degree student

JTS CoursesCourses are offered on many levels, from the introductory level to advanced specialized studies. Some introductory courses utilize Jewish texts in translation, while many other courses focus on Jewish texts in their original languages. In addition, as part of the Hebrew Fellows Program,which allows those fluent in Hebrew to take courses, attend lectures, and receive a financial award that assists in travel to Israel, several courses each year are taught in Hebrew.

Students work with their advisors prior to each semester to determine the courses that will best meet their needs. They have opportunity to register for courses not only at JTS but, through the JTS Consortium Arrangement, students may enroll in one course per semester at Columbia University or other schools.

Below is a sampling of just a few of this year's course offerings from the JTS Course Catalog. Please do peruse the catalog to learn more about the courses. Generally, Jewish studies courses listed at the 5000 level and above are open to graduate students. Hebrew courses at JTS are open to all JTS students, based on Hebrew placement.

Spotlight

"Nowhere else but at JTS can a person study Jewish art within the greater context of Jewish history and culture, taught by the largest faculty of Jewish studies in the country. And at no other school is the world of general art history just a few blocks away. Come and explore the museum world through two internships, and join a wonderful, dedicated group of MA students in Jewish Art and Visual Culture."

Spotlight

"One of the greatest privileges in my 40 years at JTS has been to study with my MA and doctoral students. These colleagues bring me new insights and often new information-almost on a daily basis-about the Midrashic texts I teach and study. Their seriousness of scholarship and love of Torah makes JTS a unique place to be. I have learned here what Pirkei Avot teaches: that true wisdom comes from learning with everyone."

Spotlight

"I actually didn't know what I'd write my dissertation on when I began my PhD program in Modern Jewish Literature, but I took a class with Dr. Edna Nahshon, who specializes in theater, and I have developed a passion for theater since then. Professor Nahshon has taken an interest in my work, and I have developed a phenomenal working relationship with her. I would not have been able to speak at conferences and publish an article so early in my academic career without her mentorship. She and other JTS professors are always willing to meet with me, both within and outside my area of specialization. They all want me to succeed. I owe where I am today to the combined efforts of JTS professors."

Spotlight

"We are a small graduate school, which means that as a faculty member, I am able to devote intensive direction to our graduate students. I have worked with brilliant doctoral students who are bright, hard working, and eager to learn. I am delighted to help them jump-start their careers. Our students have published in highly respected academic journals, presented at conferences, and taught and directed undergraduate students. When JTS students graduate, they have a distinguished and well-rounded portfolio so that they rise above the fray and are tremendously valued in the academic marketplace."